Monday, March 25, 2013

DIY Kids Coins

 I've been busy! I got this idea a few weeks ago and started figuring it out in my mind while I waited on buying some supplies (this was NOT expensive!) My mind started rolling after seeing this post about robot coins here, and this idea about story stones here. I've also been brainstorming games and activities to help Otto count up to 20. He's great up to 12, then gets confused with the teen numbers {whose brilliant idea was is to name them that way?}. So the Coins were born. I like that they are small . I like that they are sturdy. I like that they have numbers and pictures. I like that with one item, there are many different games and activities.

So here's the idea and the many uses of the coins: 

1. Otto can post the coins in numerical order while at the same time (this is important so they aren't fighting!) Atlas can post the coins which have pictures on both sides.

2. Both boys take turns picking ones that I specifically ask for (ei. Atlas, where's the guitar? He LOVES it!)


3. Otto can sort them by categories: Numbers, Weather/Nature, Things, Food, People/Animals, and Transportation.

4. We can pick them out of the jar one by one and use them as story coins. The idea is that you choose one to start your story, then as you go along keep choosing new coins, weaving that item into your story.

5. They can be used to match colors, and I'm sure we'll find other uses for them as we use them more!

Here are the coins front side:

And flip side:
 

I wish I could give everyone my JPEGs for printing them out, but because I used all items from scrapbook designers, it would be illegal! I can tell you how I made them and give credit to the designers whose work I used.

I used 1.5" wooden discs from Michaels. They were 22 discs to a pack, and I used 32 coins. (There are some leftover, so I can always add more pictures if I want.) Since I couldn't just wait to use two 40% coupons in two visits (the only store that carried these was a bit far away), I used one coupon and bought the other at full price. Total price: $8

The can was an upcycle cocoa can. Total price: free (we already used the cocoa, right?) I covered the can with some nice scrapbook paper. Price: 25¢

For the images, I created a new document in Photoshop Elements and made a template to house each item at the perfect size. Then I added each item, resizing them to fit. Some of the items are from online freebies while others are from kits I purchased previous to this project. After I filled a page with the items, I deleted the template part and printed the sheet. If you are interested in making your own, Google images is a great way to get clip art.

Next, I used a 1-1/4" circle punch to punch the images, then mod podged the circles onto the discs. My husband commented, "That's your favorite stuff, isn't it?" Well, I do love my Mod Podge!

And there you have it! Fun Coins!

A breakdown of the items I used:
Sahlin Studio: numbers (recolored), deer; 
Designs By Dani: flower, shoe, ice cream, popsicle, boy/girl, robot, owl, blue car, street light, yellow bus, rocket ship, skateboard, submarine, blimp, race car; 
Just Jaimee: rainbow, cloud, boots, beach ball, hot air balloon; 
Creativity By Crystal: planet, house, guitar, apple, whale, dump truck; 
Megan Turnidge: star, arrow; Amy Stoffel: raccoon, fox
Melissa Bennett: sun; Karla Dudley: moon; Sugary Fancy: umbrella; Sugar Hill Co: tree; Queen of Quirk: record player (recolored); Zoe Pearn: heart; Digital Design Essentials: camera; Cinnamon Scraps: cupcake; Little Butterfly Wings: dog; Jady Day Studio: bee; R. Wagler: butterfly







23 comments:

  1. This is a lovely idea we are going to try this out using some rocks though so making story pebbles. Great idea and thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us all.

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  2. Hey!

    Awesome idea! I am kindergarten teacher by day and a freelance graphic designer by night... I am definitely keen to make my own set of coins for use in the classroom. Thank you for the inspiration!

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  3. Kaly! These are awesome!! I love them. I really do need to make some of my own, I know Marshall & Paisley will love them!! Benson will grow to love them as he gets bigger!

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  4. I have some of those discs sitting on my desk right now! I was debating weather I should use Mod-Podge. I would love a tutorial on how you do that without making it all goopy!! Did you coat one side? Or both? How about the paper? How did you lay them down o dry?

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    1. Kristi, I hear your concern with Mod-Podge and I can tell you that I've been there, but I've since become more wise to the ways of Mod-Podge!) I've had beg failures in the past until I looked up a tutorial (somewhere?online) which stated that the best way to do it is to use a thin coat - starting first on your wood (or whatever you're adhering your paper to), then apply a thin coat on your paper and stick them together. It totally works! I used to glop it on, but now I just use a thin coat.

      The other trick I've found that is extremely helpful - I never use a foam brush. I really don't like them! They get all goopy with the Mod-Podge, and you end up with an uneven coat (sometimes transferring tiny dried-up bits) and a really ugly top coat. I always use a wide, thin paint brush. And you can pick those up at the Dollar Store for cheap.

      As for your question about coating each side - I did all the coats on one side, then flipped them over and did the other side. It took a bit of time, but they turned out nice and flat and not stuck to each other. I applied the thin coats to the wood and the paper and let dry for at least an hour. Then I applied two more coats on top, allowing at least an hour in between each coat.

      Wow, that answer was lengthy, but I hope it helps you out!

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    2. Thank you so much Kaly! Now I feel more confident!

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    3. I'm so glad, Kristi! Good luck with yours, and I'd love to see them if you post them, so leave your link here!

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  5. I could use this idea in my adults' Italian class for vocabulary, descriptions and story telling etc!!!

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    1. I love that, Evelyn! Yet another use :) I hope it works well for you.

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  6. Thank you!!! I'm going to use them in an activity with a roulette :)

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    1. I would love to see your finished project! That sounds fun.

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  7. " teen numbers {whose brilliant idea was is to name them that way?}"

    Want to know? Follow the link please: http://burpist.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/creativity-ends-here/

    :)

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  8. Any way you could send me the template via email? I tried to download and spyware immediately tried to attack me so I'm nervous to attempt again. Thank you. redsoxslc@hotmail.com

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  9. Also just wondering if you have suggestions for finding pictures to use that are free??

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  10. I would also love to know if this template could be sent to me via email. If so, please let me know and I will get you my email address! Thanks!

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    1. Yes Terie, I can send it to you if you can provide your email address.

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    2. I can think of lots more great ideas to use these for, very creative! Can you send me a copy please, Terie?

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  11. Nice DIY project!
    On the same topic, you may be interested in our Memory game based on Tangram patterns.

    Free download at http://www.tangram-channel.com/tangram-memory-templates/

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  12. Hi! I was wondering if it would be possible for you to email this to me? I can't download it for some reason! Thanks so much!

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  13. If it's still possible to get the template via email I'd be very grateful (as would my kids;). Thank you very much

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    1. Thank you for your interest Veri! If you could provide your email address, I can send you the template. Remember, this template simply makes it easier to size your items, but does not actually include any of the images.

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  14. HI, this looks great! Is the template still available? I would love a copy. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you for your interest Sheliza! If you could provide your email address, I can send you the template. Remember, this template simply makes it easier to size your items, but does not actually include any of the images.

      Delete